For anyone who has ever been to California from the East Coast or from California to the East Coast, you know there is a bit of a difference in a few things. From the types of people, modes of transportation, and things to see. Here are just a few things you are bound to notice and encounter when moving coast to coast.
1. Two words: Dunkin'. Donuts.
Immediately when coming to the East Coast, you see Dunkin' Donuts at every corner. Everyone is saying, "Let's go to Dunkin'" or you see people walking around with it in their hands. At first, all you can think of is, "I want Starbucks," but you can't help but be curious. Then, you try it and finally understand what the hype is about and suddenly don't understand why there are only a couple of these in California.
2. The Necessary Clothing Crisis
A heavy jacket is how much? Oh people can't just wear shorts and a tank top in the middle of October? Huh. Yeah, you've heard that the winters are terrible, but how bad can they actually be? Then you realize the warmest coat you have can barely withstand a chilly day at the end of October, only to discover you may have underestimated the whole layering thing.
3. Why is everyone taking three-hour showers?
Three may be an exaggeration, but oh, yeah, no drought here and everything is green! While living up the fact that colors are so vibrant, sprinklers are constantly on, and rain isn't just a once a year occurrence, you still can't help from turning the sink off while brushing your teeth and taking rushed showers.
4. Getting constantly asked stereotypical questions after telling someone where you are from.
Do you surf a lot? How many celebrities have you seen? How long does it take you to go to the beach? Why aren't you more tan? How good is In n Out actually? (really good by the way) The list could really go on and on.
5. What are Lax Bros??
Lax is short for lacrosse, a pretty common name if you are used you hearing and saying it, but if you hear the sped up term "Lax Bro" being tossed around, not knowing what it is you will think it's some sort of medicine. Embarrassed, it takes you a while to finally ask, "What the heck of is a lax bro?" and you discover that they are stereotypical jockey guys who play the sport of lacrosse, a rare sight seen in California.
6. Public Transportation!!
If you are from California, you know that the main form of transportation and traveling hours for a weekend trip at the other part of the state are a common occurrence. While trains and buses are available, they are not very often used as a frequent thing for travel. But, if you were to try to drive a car into New York City, you will be in for a rude awakening.
7. So. Many. Accents.
Wait, are you from Long Island or New Jersey? From Massachusetts and Connecticut, to heavy A's, the tongue and ears go though a bit of a crisis (especially with terms like Lax Bros being tossed around on the daily).
8. If it's so cold outside, why is it sunny?
Just because it's sunny doesn't mean that it doesn't feel like the coldest day California gets all year. In California, if it's going to be cold out, you can tell. Clouds, and hardly any sun are prominent on a "cold day" in California, but on the East Coast, the weather app becomes your favorite friend. Did I mention this coldness (and heat) are wet and sticky? Because oh, yeah, the concept of water is a thing!
9. Missing everything about California you totally took for granted.
Wearing whatever you want all parts of the year, and not have to dress for the weather. The amazing hikes and food (especially In N' Out). Palm trees everywhere and there are quick trips to the beach. Things you never even thought twice about having are just gone and appreciation goes through the roof.
10. But you wouldn't change this experience for the world.
Going across the country can be totally terrifying. Heck, sometimes stepping outside the house is terrifying. But going to the East Coast opens you up to an entirely different culture you couldn't even have imagined. From exploring New York City, to tasting different types of amazing food like pizza, food you didn't even know existed (and Dunkin' Donuts), and living up the whole new thing of "college life" as much as you can possible, you begin to appreciate your new surroundings just as much as the old ones we call home.
